My mother’s influence is in the way she taught me to weave and encouraged me to experiment with color and design. She never really forced me to follow the traditional styles, but instead allowed me to find my own path in weaving. Her ability to blend traditional techniques with modern concepts has been a guiding force in my practice.
Some other weavers I look up to include Ruth Asawa, Sheila Hicks, and Jim Bassler. Each of them brings a unique perspective to textile art, and I draw inspiration from their innovative approaches to weaving.
SB & ZF: Can you talk about your “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic” and how you developed that style?
VA: The “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic” is my way of pushing the boundaries of color and pattern in traditional Diné weaving. I wanted to create something that was visually striking and complex, yet rooted in the traditions of my culture. By incorporating up to 300 hues of wool in each weaving, I am able to create intricate patterns that pay homage to the generations of weavers who came before me.
I developed this style through a process of trial and error, experimenting with different color combinations and patterns until I found a visual language that felt true to my artistic vision. The “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic” is a reflection of my desire to challenge the conventions of traditional weaving while honoring its rich history.
SB & ZF: How do you see your weaving practice intersecting with issues of identity, culture, and social justice?
VA: My weaving practice is deeply intertwined with issues of identity, culture, and social justice. As a Diné weaver, I am constantly negotiating the tensions between tradition and innovation, between honoring the past and embracing the future. Through my work, I seek to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Native American art and culture, while also advocating for social justice issues that are important to me.
For example, my recent weavings that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights are a way for me to engage with issues of gender and sexuality within the Diné community. By highlighting the spectrum of gender and sexuality that exists in our culture, I hope to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.
Overall, my weaving practice is a form of cultural expression and resistance, a way for me to reclaim and redefine what it means to be a Diné artist in the 21st century.
SB & ZF: What are your plans for the future, both in terms of your weaving practice and your work as an educator?
VA: In terms of my weaving practice, I plan to continue pushing the boundaries of color, pattern, and technique in my work. I am always looking for new ways to innovate and experiment with traditional weaving methods, and I hope to continue developing my “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic” in the years to come.
As an educator, I am committed to passing on the knowledge and skills of weaving to the next generation of Diné artists. I believe that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and cultural preservation, and I am dedicated to supporting my students in their artistic journeys.
Overall, I see my future as a balance between artistic exploration and community engagement, between tradition and innovation. I hope to continue challenging the boundaries of what is possible in Diné weaving, while also advocating for social justice issues that are important to me and my community.
As we wrapped up our conversation with Venancio Aragón, we were struck by the depth of his commitment to weaving as a form of cultural expression and resistance. His work is a testament to the power of art to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusivity, and advocate for social justice. We look forward to seeing how his practice continues to evolve and inspire others in the years to come.
My mom says that’s probably where I got my color thing from. Now, as an adult artist, Venancio Aragón reflects on his journey with color, dyeing, and weaving, tracing it back to his family roots and cultural heritage. In a recent interview with SB & ZF, Aragón shared how his mother’s experimentation with natural dyes sparked his interest in the chemistry of dyeing and led him to develop his signature “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic.”
Growing up, Aragón’s mother recalled her own mother using plants for color, inspiring them to try recreating those colors through natural dyeing. This process of boiling plants and experimenting with different materials ignited Aragón’s passion for color and eventually led him to incorporate both natural and synthetic dyes into his work. The need for more colors and a way to organize them led him to the concept of rainbows, which contain all the colors he uses in his textiles. Thus, the “Expanded Rainbow Aesthetic” was born out of a desire to explore and celebrate a wide range of hues.
In his artistic practice, Aragón also delves into the rich history of Navajo textiles, researching historic weaving techniques and reimagining them in his work. During his time as an artist fellow at the School for Advanced Research (SAR) in Santa Fe, Aragón focused on identifying and reconstructing older weaving techniques like twill, which showcase the innovative skills of his ancestors. By combining these traditional techniques with his colorful aesthetic, Aragón creates unique and vibrant textiles that pay homage to his heritage.
Recently, Aragón has been involved in a research partnership with Fort Lewis College, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Southern Ute Museum, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to study textiles. This innovative approach allows Aragón and his colleagues to analyze the elemental composition of materials, identify historic pesticide treatments, and uncover details about dye mordants used in traditional textiles. By utilizing XRF technology, Aragón aims to contribute valuable knowledge to textile scholarship and enhance our understanding of historical dyeing practices.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Aragón is deeply committed to teaching and sharing his knowledge with others, particularly Navajo students at Diné College. He emphasizes the importance of cultural protection and education, highlighting the sacredness of Navajo weaving and the need for respectful engagement with Indigenous knowledge. Aragón believes that until there are meaningful community discussions about the sharing of cultural practices, it is essential to approach education with care and consideration for the cultural significance of these art forms.
More recently, Aragón’s work has taken a bold and political turn, with pieces like “TRANSform Hate” and “Woke Pride Flag” engaging directly with LGBTQ+ identity and visibility. These works reflect Aragón’s commitment to using art as a tool for social commentary and activism, addressing current social and political issues through his textile creations. While the response to these pieces has been largely positive, Aragón acknowledges that art has the power to provoke thought and discomfort, inviting viewers to engage with complex and challenging themes through his colorful and thought-provoking work. This led to a stigma around the symbol, causing many Native American communities, including the Navajo, to stop using it in their artwork.
For me, incorporating the Whirling Log symbol is about reclaiming its original meaning and honoring its significance in Navajo culture. The symbol represents harmony, balance, and healing, and it has been a part of our traditions for generations. By including it in my weavings, I am paying homage to our ancestors and keeping our cultural heritage alive.
When presenting the symbol in exhibitions like From the Fringes, I make sure to provide context and educate viewers about its true meaning. It’s important to me that people understand the depth and complexity of Navajo symbolism and not just reduce it to a misinterpretation based on outside influences.
Overall, my goal is to create art that sparks conversation, challenges perceptions, and invites people to engage with it in whatever way feels meaningful to them. Whether they choose to appreciate the craftsmanship, explore the cultural significance, or simply enjoy the beauty of the work, I hope that my weavings can resonate with audiences on a personal level. Art is a powerful medium for connection and understanding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective through my creations. The Whirling Log symbol has a complicated history in the United States, where it became associated with fascism and hate, causing many Navajo weavers to stop using it in their work. However, there is a movement among some individuals to reclaim the symbol and educate the public about its original meanings of peace, prosperity, movement, and blessings. Similar symbols exist in cultures around the world, often with positive connotations.
One weaver shared a personal experience at the Crownpoint Rug Auction, where her piece featuring the Whirling Log was deemed too controversial to be shown. This incident highlighted the layers of meaning and controversy surrounding the symbol. Older weavers defended the symbol, emphasizing its positive associations and questioning why it was being linked to negative ideologies.
The process of reclaiming the Whirling Log involves discussing its original purpose and significance, in order to move away from its tainted associations with fascism. By bringing attention to its positive meanings, individuals hope to shift the narrative and restore the symbol to its rightful place in Navajo culture.
In the “From the Fringes” curatorial statement, the author explores how Diné culture and economy changed during American expansionism and settler colonialism in the 1860s. Weaving and writing are used as tools to tell the histories of trade, exploitation, and adaptation, drawing on the author’s background as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service.
The author’s approach to storytelling is influenced by their experiences as a Diné individual, as well as their research and education. Decolonization, for them, involves reclaiming the narrative and challenging dominant historical perspectives. In the context of Navajo weaving, the author seeks to amplify the voices of weavers who were often marginalized in historical accounts, shedding light on the economic exploitation and power imbalances they faced.
“From the Fringes” aims to present Indigenous counter-narratives and provide a more nuanced understanding of the past and its impact on the present. By including diverse perspectives and untangling myths, the project seeks to create a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of history. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various aspects of society, including the way we work, socialize, and interact with one another. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis, it has become increasingly clear that the pandemic has had a profound impact on our daily lives and routines.
One of the most notable changes brought about by the pandemic is the shift towards remote work. With many businesses forced to close their physical offices and employees encouraged to work from home, remote work has become the new norm for millions of people around the world. This shift has not only changed the way we work but has also had a significant impact on our work-life balance, mental health, and productivity.
Working from home has its benefits, such as the flexibility to set your own schedule, avoid long commutes, and spend more time with family. However, it also comes with its challenges, such as feelings of isolation, difficulty separating work and personal life, and the blurring of boundaries between work and leisure time. Many people have reported feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by the constant demands of remote work, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
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Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, there have also been positive changes that have emerged in response to the crisis. People have become more resilient and adaptable, finding new ways to connect with others and stay engaged in their communities. Virtual events, online support groups, and video calls have become popular ways to stay connected with others and maintain a sense of normalcy during these challenging times.
As we continue to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic, it is important to prioritize self-care and mental health. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and reaching out for support are essential strategies for coping with the challenges brought about by the pandemic. By staying connected with others, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and practicing self-care, we can better navigate the challenges of the pandemic and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side. The Benefits of Regular Exercise
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